Sri Lanka has seen a significant increase in HIV/AIDS cases, according to the National STD/AIDS Control Programme.
By the end of September this year, the country had recorded 485 cases, showing a 13 percent rise compared to the same period in 2022, which saw 427 cases.
Breaking down the data, it was revealed that out of the reported cases until September, 72 males and seven females fall within the age range of 15-24, while the remaining cases were individuals over 25 years old.
The male-to-female ratio of reported HIV cases in 2023 stands at 8.7:1.
The second quarter of this year, from April to June, marked the highest number of cases reported in a single quarter since 2009, indicating a worrying trend.
Moreover, the year 2023 has already witnessed 43 deaths related to HIV/AIDS, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
In addition to these alarming figures, Sri Lanka has officially reported 10 HIV cases among the transgender community. Since 2009, a total of 4,095 males and 1,391 females have contracted HIV.
Health authorities have expressed concern about the rising number of HIV cases in the country and emphasized the importance of raising awareness about prevention methods and promoting safe practices.
Efforts to combat the spread of the virus, including comprehensive sex education and easy access to testing and treatment, have become crucial in tackling this growing public health issue.
